RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Potential neuroprotective effect of Anakinra in spinal cord injury in an in vivo experimental animal model JF Neurosciences Journal JO Neurosciences (Riyadh) FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 124 OP 130 DO 10.17712/nsj.2015.2.20140483 VO 20 IS 2 A1 Hasturk, Askin E. A1 Yilmaz, Erdal R. A1 Turkoglu, Erhan A1 Arikan, Murat A1 Togral, Guray A1 Hayirli, Nazli A1 Erguder, Berrin I. A1 Evirgen, Oya YR 2015 UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/20/2/124.abstract AB Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of inhibiting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in vivo using Anakinra in an experimental model of spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: All experimental procedures were performed in the animal laboratory of Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between August 2012 and May 2014. The SCI was induced by applying vascular clips to the dura via a 4-level T5-T8 laminectomy. Fifty-four rats were randomized into the following groups: controls (n = 18), SCI + saline (n = 18), and SCI + Anakinra (n = 18). Spinal cord samples were obtained from animals in both SCI groups at one, 6, and 24 hours after surgery (n = 6 for each time point). Spinal cord tissue and serum were extracted, and the levels of IL-1β, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were analyzed. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of the tissues was performed.Results: The SCI in rats caused severe injury characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and cytokine production followed by recruitment of other inflammatory cells, lipid peroxidation, and increased oxidative stress. After SCI, tissue and serum IL-1β levels were significantly increased, but were significantly decreased by Anakinra administration. Following trauma, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were decreased; however, Anakinra increased the activity of these antioxidant enzymes. Malondialdehyde levels were increased after trauma, but were unaffected by Anakinra. Histopathological analysis showed that Anakinra effectively protected the spinal cord tissue from injury.Conclusion: Treatment with Anakinra reduces inflammation and other tissue injury events associated with SCI.